Sean Cook, 26, was killed on June 18, 2020, in Palm Harbor, Florida, after being shot in the chest at a friend’s home. He had gone to spend time and play video games with 26-year-old Shea Harkins. According to investigators, Harkins retrieved a Colt M4 rifle he had been customizing, pointed it at Cook as a joke and pulled the trigger, believing the weapon was unloaded. A round was in the chamber; the rifle discharged and Cook was taken to Mease Countryside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m. that evening.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Harkins admitted to detectives that he had pointed the rifle and pulled the trigger, saying he did not realize it was loaded. He was arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. Reports indicate the men were friends and there was no stated malicious intent.

Anyone who knew Sean, was at the residence that night, or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.